What Your Teen Could be Doing This Summer…

by Karen Zakhnini

Pull out the calendar and reserve July 30-August
4!

This summer, two hundred blind and low vision high school students
will take part in the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Youth Slam, a four-day
experiential academy designed by the NFB Jernigan Institute to empower the next
generation of blind leaders, and we want your child to apply!

Has your child had difficulties with math or science subjects?
Is your child interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering,
or math (STEM)? Have you or your child been told that this is an impossible
dream? Does your child feel isolated because of blindness? Does he/she need
a successful blind role model to demonstrate that anything is possible? Does
your child need some inspiration and motivation to follow his/her dreams? If
you answered yes to any of these questions, then the NFB Youth Slam is your
answer!

The Youth Slam has three main goals: (1) to break the relative
isolation of blind youth and show them that it is respectable to be blind; (2)
to expose blind youth to STEM fields in a way that powerfully demonstrates that
these fields are open to them, shattering some of the most significant barriers
and misconceptions facing blind students; and (3) to create a better understanding
among parents, teachers, and the general public that blind people can learn
and excel in STEM subjects and careers.

Because blindness is a low-incidence disability, these students
often believe that they are alone--many have never even met another blind individual.
The Youth Slam offers a unique opportunity for these students to surround themselves
with a network of blind mentors and friends, empowering them to follow their
dreams.

During the Slam, students and mentors will participate in STEM-focused
activities using hands-on techniques designed to stretch the imagination and
increase science literacy. With the support of partners such as the Whiting
School of Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University and the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA), these activities are sure to be fun, challenging,
and exciting!

Participants in the Youth Slam will also have the opportunity
to attend seminars on various topics relating to blindness and careers. And
don’t forget our social events! From a talent show to a dance and more, your
child will have a blast! The Youth Slam will culminate in a rally at Baltimore’s
Inner Harbor and a march to the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute.

As an expansion of our Science Academy, the Youth Slam is sure
to make an extraordinary impact on your child’s life and attitude. But don’t
just take our word for it! Below are the comments of a few Science Academy students
and parents:

[Science Academy] has given me the confidence in myself because
I was able to see a lot of blind people who have been successful in science.
Probably without this camp I would never get to meet such people.
--Andrew Wai, PA

Throughout the weeklong program, I learned skills that I will
never forget. Seeing other successful blind people thriving in their lives truly
inspired me… I believe we learned as much from each other as we did from the
science portion. I constantly use the skills that I learned from the blind facilitators
and teachers. They taught us lessons that will guide us for the rest of our
lives.
--Hoby Wedler, CA

It was so good for Hoby to get away from me and find out for
himself that, Yes! This is possible; I can do it; I can live a good life. It
was being with all the [blind] people for a week and hearing their stories that
was so important. Their energy and positive attitudes were passed on to Hoby.
He realized that he, too, was going to make it in life. Again, thank you. Not
only has he changed, but I, also, have changed by watching him this year. I
can see now that everything will be okay.
--Terry Wedler, mother of Hoby

Don’t let your teen miss out on this unbelievable opportunity.
Sign up now!

Interested students need to complete an application by April
1, 2007. Accepted applicants will be expected to pay a $200.00 registration
fee to complete the application process. This payment is not required at the
time of application to the Slam. You will be notified as to when it is due.
This registration fee ensures the students will receive air and ground transportation,
room and board, and access to all Slam activities and materials (valued at $3,000.00).
Students can apply online at <www.blindscience.org>, or can receive an
application by e-mailing <youthslam@nfb.org> or by calling (410) 659-9314,
extension 2451.

Each state affiliate of the NFB also has a Youth Slam coordinator.
These coordinators are available locally to answer questions, to help find funds
for the fee, and to help youth and families connect with other resources or
find contact information for programs. Your coordinator can be found on the
Youth Slam page at <www.blindscience.org>.

The NFB Jernigan Institute is working to help the next generation
of blind youth change what it means to be blind. For more information regarding
the Jernigan Institute education initiative, please contact Mark Riccobono,
director of education, at <mriccobono@nfb.org> or (410) 659-9314, extension
2368.